Before further decisions are made for Mexico-domiciled motor carriers to operate in the United States in a pilot program, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)is requesting additional comments on the issue that has aroused controversy among members of Congress, citizen advocacy associations, labor organizations, and certain trucking groups.
According to information in the Federal Register June 8, the latest move by FMCSA comes as a result of a rider in legislation signed into law by President Bush May 25, 2007, that appropriates funding for US troop readiness, veterans care, Katrina recovery, and Iraq accountability. Section 6901 of that act requires that certain actions be taken by the Department of Transportation (DOT) as a condition of obligating or expending appropriated funds for the Mexico-domiciled motor carriers program that would allow them to operate in the United States.
FMCSA said earlier that the purpose of the pilot project is to ensure that Mexican motor carriers operating in the United States can maintain the same level of highway safety as US-based motor carriers--and it believes those standards have been met. Among those taking issue with the project are the Environmental Law Foundation, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the Brotherhood of Teamsters Auto and Truck Drivers Local 70, and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association.
Meanwhile, FMCSA is seeking comments on this latest action of Congress. Comments must be received on or before June 28. For more information on the issue, click here.